MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Recognizing the expanding career fields related to families, Mississippi State University will offer new graduate studies in the upcoming fall semester.

MSU’s School of Human Sciences will offer advanced degrees in Human Development and Family Studies, an interdisciplinary approach to the study of children, youth and families. The program encompasses specialty areas in infant and child studies, youth studies, family studies, family resource management and gerontology.

MSU will offer courses for the master’s degree this fall. Courses for the doctor of philosophy degree in Human Development and Family Studies will be offered starting in the fall of 2013.

“The graduates will make a difference in the lives of children, youth and their families,” said Michael Newman, director of human sciences. “They will become leaders who will develop, manage and evaluate early childhood, youth development, family support and community-based programs. They will advance research and policy in areas related to young children, youth and families.”

Sheri Worthy, graduate coordinator for human development and family studies, said faculty currently are advising students for pre-registration. Applications for enrollment into the fall 2012 master’s program will be accepted through July 1.

For information about admission criteria and curricula, contact Worthy at (662) 325-0918 or sworthy@humansci.msstate.edu. To apply for the master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, go to http://www.grad.msstate.edu/prospective/.